Woodridge Bulldogs 2024 high school football schedule, preview

WOODRIDGE BULLDOGS

• HEAD COACH : Phil Martter, second season, 5-6
• LAST YEAR : 5-6, 3-4 Metro Athletic Conference
• POSTSEASON : Division IV, Region 13

Woodridge football's returning starters (8)

• Vincent Adams, RG, Sr.
• Jacob Igleheart, LG/DT, Jr.
• Gavin Lynch, RB/SS, Sr.
• Kellen Morr, WR/FS, So.
• Braden Mottice, WR/LB, Sr.
• Nick Mull, LT/DE, Jr.
• Everitt Norton, TE/DE, Jr.
• Collin Pietrowski, OL/DL, Jr.

Woodridge football's impact player

Lynch was a solid player at safety, but will start in the backfield for the Bulldogs this season. … "A big reason we moved him to running back is to get him as many touches as we can," Martter said. "He has great vision, a great center of gravity and is threat to throw the ball." … Mottice was a key linebacker, despite playing with a torn labrum last season. … "He's a jack of all trades for us. He's as smart a player as I've ever coached." … Norton will provide a big target for the Bulldogs passing game, as he converts from tackle.

What’s new for Woodridge football in 2024

Woodridge will switch up its formations on both sides of the ball. … "We’re moving to a 4-2-5 out of an odd front on defense," Martter said. "Offensively, we’re going to run the ball a lot more this season." … These changes stem from the fact Woodridge returns a strong line, but lost many of its skill players to graduation. … "We’re literally the opposite of what we were last year. We are going to lean on people and try to take some people to the deep water and beat them there."

Watch Ohio High School Football Live on the NFHS Network all season

Woodridge football's outlook

While noting the strength of the Metro Athletic Conference, Martter is more focused on raising Woodridge's toughness and aggression. … "My big goal is that everyday, every game that we get into, we want to let you know who we are. We have the capability to beat anyone that we play," he said. "We want to be constantly attacking. I think we can be  successful at that. As a coach, I'm trying to build a culture where we ask our kids, 'What stone are you leaving? Are you leaving a keystone of the future or are you leaving a stone that will have to be replaced?'"

Woodridge football schedule for 2024

• Aug. 23 Revere
• Aug. 30 West Branch
• Sept. 6 CVCA
• Sept. 13 FIELD
• Sept. 20 RAVENNA
• Sept. 27 Coventry
• Oct. 4 STREETSBORO
• Oct. 11 NORTON
• Oct. 18 Cloverleaf
• Oct. 25 SPRINGFIELD

Home games in all CAPS. All games at 7 p.m., unless noted

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Woodridge Bulldogs 2024 high school football schedule, preview